When you visit Romania as a tourist, you get the impression that the country is looking up. Western companies and shops shape the cityscape, tourists who populate the street cafes strengthen the impression of prosperity. But appearances are deceptive. Employees of our partner organisations are confronted on a daily basis with hardship and tragedies which happen away from the shopping streets and invisible to tourists.
Many people in Romania are still very poor. This increases tension in some families. Alcoholism and substance abuse are common problems. The main sufferers are the children who have to grow up in such circumstances.
Our partner in Dobreni in eastern Romania helps on two levels: Casa Speranta supports families who live below the subsistence level. Casa Ray is a home for children who could not stay with their families because it was too dangerous for them there. In this way people in need can be helped effectively.
